A Legendary Chef's Journey: From Soul Food to Heaven

Helen L. Coleman, a beloved figure in the Seattle food scene, has passed away at the age of 90. Known affectionately as \\"Ms. Helen, \\" she left behind a legacy of soul food that won over the hearts of many, including famous faces like B. B. King and Muhammad Ali. Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma and California, Coleman made her way to Seattle in 1970. This is where her culinary journey truly began. She opened her first restaurant, Helen’s Diner, which quickly became famous for its mouthwatering oxtail, pork chops, and the iconic \\"Mount St. Helen’s Burger. \\" This burger was no ordinary patty—it was loaded with hot links, bacon, cheese, a sunny-side-up egg, and more. However, the diner’s success was short-lived, as it closed in 1983 after filing for bankruptcy.Undeterred, Coleman continued to cook at Deano’s Cafe and Lounge before opening Ms. Helen’s Soul Food in 1987. This venture also faced challenges, as an earthquake in 2001 forced the restaurant to shut down. But Coleman and her daughter, Jesdarnel \\"Squirt\\" Henton, didn’t let that stop them. They worked together, catering for big companies like Microsoft and even attempting to open a new restaurant, Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro, in 2015. Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure the funding needed to make it happen. Today, Henton and her daughter Nicole Helene continue the family tradition by serving food out of a Harley-Davidson dealership in Renton, Washington. They run Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro, offering a rotating menu that keeps customers coming back for more. Coleman’s impact on the food world is undeniable, and her legacy lives on through the dishes that still bring joy to those who try them.